Hi. I'm hoping someone can help me identify a sweet-tastiing plant. I've had it over ten years and never seen anything like it. It is in a hanging pot. It grows long stems with numerous leaves running the length of each stem. The leaves grow 2"-3" long, are medium green with light stripes. The leaves are not waxy; the surface is soft like velvet. As the leaves mature, their undersides turn purple but the stripes can still be seen from underneath. The stems are green and pliant when young, but turn beige and stiff as they age. Stems closest to the soil are like smooth bark. The plant flowers 2-3 times a year; the flowers are approximately an inch long, white and look like miniature, elongated bells. They bloom along the stems, so one stem will have several flowers amongst the leaves. These tiny flowers literally smell like honey. If you break a leaf, it has a fragrance like cocoa or sweet coffee. My dogs clamor to eat the leaves and flowers when they fall; it must not be toxic because one dog is now 17 and been eating the thing regularly for over ten years. Recently while cutting the plant back, I took a miniscule bite of the stem and was shocked by the sweet taste; the plant literally tastes like nectar and the sweet taste is STRONG! I would not venture to taste further, but at least I understand after all these years why the dogs love it. If this sounds like anything anyone has ever heard of, I'd appreciate some input. I have posted two photos; one shows clippings with a leaf turning purple on the underside. Really want to know what this plant is. Thanks!
Geena, You really have me curious with your detailed information about this plant. I have been online an hour looking at "Plectranthus" as suggested by Ron B, but according to Wikipedia, there are 350 varieties. Maybe a picture would help us look?
Yep, a photo would help a whole bunch, although I can't help but take a stab at it anyway.... Maybe, Ludisia discolor?
I have been making jelly from plants and trees in my yard this week and was wondering if the blooms can be made into jelly like the kudzu blooms. So far I have a few half-pints of Blackgum Tree jelly and Beautyberry jelly. Both yummy!
Thanks everybody! Working on having a photo posted today; did look at some of the suggestions you guys have made and none of them appear to be it. Have a blessed day! To be continued...
Here are two photos of the plant. The white pot contains clippings which show a leaf turning purple on the underside...
It looks like an Aeschynanthus, (lipstick plant) not sure which one yours is though. I have a small painfully slow growing Aeschynanthus longicaulis with orange flowers
While researching on www for another post, I came across a pic of Aeschynanthus parasiticus Black Pagoda, which seems to have the same markings and underleaf colouring that you describe/show. However I cannot find out any more about it! http://serendipityacres.com/IDs/DeerTongue.jpg
Aeschynanthus parasiticus Black Pagoda? I will try to find it. Thanks and if you find out anything else, please post! Blessings!
